10/24/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chief Brooks thought if Section 2 were taken out, the Police Depart- ment would be in the same position it is currently. He said there is e a problem existing now, even though on the surface it looks as though the problem had been handled because of the recent successful investiga- tion. He said for the record, the alleged pimps are still loose and until they go to trial and face charges, Eugene will still have the problem that it faces now. He said it's very important to note that witnesses have di sappeared. However, if Section 2 were to remain in the ordinance, and passed successfully, he said the Police Department could effectively neutral i zeprosti tuti on in the city by arresti ng the customer. He had faith in his department in saying that Section 2 would not present the problem that many perceive it to be. Mr. Lieuallen requested Chief Brooks to explain, if the investigation and arrests recently made had been been under the amendment, how the ordinance being considered would have made the witnesses more available. Chief Brooks replied if this amendment had been passed and had been in effect, the prostitute and customers could have been cited on the spot. He noted, again, that specific procedures for working out this ordinance would be worked out with the prosecutor's office. By citing the prosti- tutes and customers, he said again the problem could have been neutralized without having to go through the costly and timely procedure the Police Department had to use in August. Also, resources would be unavailable to the pimps, and thus put them out of business. Mr. Lieuallen said he still did not understand how the proposed amendment would make witnesses more available. Chief Brooks responded that his e goal was to eliminate the prostitution problem because of the side effects and various crimes that accompany it. He said if customers can be elimi- nated, then the operation could be neutralized. With Section 2 added to the ordinance, it would make it easier for the Police Department to operate against the customer. He said the arrests in August had been successful in neutralizing the prostitution problem, but not for prosecu- tion purposes. If the ordinance had been enacted at that time, he said the prostitutes and customers would have been eliminated, thus eliminating the pimps, and the extra time and money expended by the Police Department would not have been necessary. If a prostitute is cited for the purpose of loitering, and she leaves town, then in effect the problem is gone. He said the proposed amendment would allow for a less costly and more effective police operation. Mr. Bradley expressed difficulty in supporting an ordinance that has potential for abuse. He felt it was unnecessary for Council to put citizens and the City in that posture. Assistant Manager replied that both City Attorney's Office and Chief Brooks had responded to the matter. He said this ordinance has met constitutional tests in courts at the appellate level. He expressed the concerns for potential abuse are shared by both Chief Brooks and the City Manager's Office. He said those concerns are inherrent in virtually every ordinance the City Council passes. He also noted the constant discernment by police officers of such laws is one reason why the police officers were paid and the educational level and training was required. He also noted there are recourses when unreasonable conduct occurs. e 10/24/77--11 803